Bishop Phiri Urges Religious to Serve as Instruments of Peace and Reconciliation
By Sr. Charity Lungu, Chipata CNCS Hub Chipata Diocese Auxiliary Bishop Gabriel Msipu Phiri has urged religious men and women to be instruments of peace and reconciliation while serving people with hope and vision, even in the face of challenges. Bishop Phiri emphasised that their mission must always align with the will of God and reflect His love and guidance. The Auxiliary Bishop encouraged the religious to remain steadfast in their calling, promoting reconciliation where there is division and peace where there is conflict. He further reminded them that their work is central to fostering unity, healing and hope within communities. Bishop Phiri also called on all believers to embrace dialogue, forgiveness and compassion as key elements of reconciliation, noting that lasting peace and community development are achieved when people work together guided by God’s will. Meanwhile, the Bishop has urged religious men and women to take advantage of social media as a tool to proclaim the Word of God. He warned that it must be used responsibly as it can also harm one’s reputation. Bishop Phiri emphasised that modern communication platforms offer great opportunities for spreading faith, hope and reconciliation, but misuse can lead to misunderstandings and damage the credibility of religious leaders. The Auxiliary Bishop encouraged the religious to embrace social media as a platform to inspire, educate and reach wider communities with positive messages while maintaining integrity and professionalism. He further called on all religious leaders to exercise caution online, emphasising that social media, when used wisely, can strengthen faith and unity, but careless use can damage reputations and undermine the trust of the communities they serve. Bishop Phiri made the remarks at St Anne’s Cathedral Parish in Chipata during a Jubilee Mass attended by religious men and women from the Association of Religious Men of Zambia and the Zambia Association of Sisters. The Mass brought together members of various congregations to celebrate their vocation and renew their commitment to service.